U.S., Iraqi forces sign property transfer agreement

Photo By Chad Menegay | Leaders representing the U.S. Forces-Iraq and Iraqi Army meet at the Camp Taji mayor’s cell before signing a document for the transfer of $43 million in property and equipment from USF-I to the Government of Iraq Dec. 5.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.05.2010

Story by Sgt. Chad Menegay 

United States Forces – Iraq, Deputy Commanding General (Advising and Training)

BAGHDAD - The U.S. Forces-Iraq and Iraqi Army signed a document transferring ownership of areas at Camp Taji known as “The Triangle” and “North Side” Dec. 5.

The areas encompass more than $43 million in property and equipment – 218 buildings, more than 1,000 containerized housing units, and more than 10,000 pieces of equipment.

With this transfer the Iraqi Army receives buildings to house troops, equipment and land they can train on, said U.S. Army Capt. James Marcher, with 2nd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, who serves as the officer-in-charge of the Camp Taji base closure cell, and is a native of Amelia, La.

The Iraqi Army wanted the land and property because it allows them to consolidate some of their divisions from other places into one location, said U.S. Air Force Maj. Nicholas Musgrove, an Iraq Training and Advisory Mission-Army advisor to the Iraqi Army Location Command.

The ITAM-Army team served as a liaison between the Camp Taji base closure cell and Iraqi Army Location Command, and organized a joint inventory operation for the land, property and equipment.

During the process, U.S. and Iraqi Army personnel worked together through interpreters to verify and account for all the items on the property books.

The Iraqi Army will expand its security responsibilities with this transfer, Musgrove said.

“Expansion is the only way they’ll be able to truly finish securing this country,” said 1st Lt. Ryan Martin, with 2nd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, who serves as the deputy officer-in-charge of the base closure cell, and is a native of Carencro, La.

• Date Taken: 12.05.2010
• Date Posted: 12.12.2010 08:20
• Story ID: 61788
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ